Alonso tips Napoli to surprise in Champions League

Napoli have what it takes to cause a shock in this season's Champions League, according to Xabi Alonso.

Alonso's former club Real Madrid have won the competition for the past two years, eliminating Napoli on their way last term, but the 35-year-old expects Maurizio Sarri's men to challenge their dominance.

The Spaniard lauded Sarri's side as "attacking and fearless", with Napoli - who finished third last season - having kicked off the campaign with a 4-0 aggregate win over Nice in the Champions League play-offs, and consecutive 3-1 victories in Serie A.

"I really like this Napoli. I like Sarri's philosophy and the desire of his team to always have the ball at their feet," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"Napoli are attacking and fearless. They have a visible mentality on the pitch and I appreciate it. I also have many friends there: Pepe Reina, [Jose] Callejon and [Raul] Albiol.

"I often hear from them and I like to watch them play in [Napoli's] system. As well as in Italy, they can be a surprise package in Europe."